Khaberni - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he held direct and constructive conversations with a high-ranking Iranian leader, clarifying that both parties have "key points of agreement".
Trump added, in statements carried by Reuters, that Washington "spoke to a high-ranking leader in Iran," confirming that both sides "want to reach an agreement".
He explained that the communications are still ongoing, referring to the possibility of a phone call later today, Monday, and that he hopes to hold a meeting soon, saying: "We hope to meet soon".
Trump indicated that the discussions continued on Sunday evening, describing them as "strong conversations," adding: "We will see where the talks will go".
Regarding the outcomes of the negotiations, Trump said: "I cannot guarantee reaching an agreement," but he noted that "if what was agreed upon is implemented, it would end the conflict," adding that reaching an agreement "would be a great start for Iran and the region."
He stated that "it would be very easy to procure enriched uranium if we reach an agreement," affirming that the United States "seeks to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons, and we look forward to bringing peace to the Middle East."
About military options, he explained: "We are not discussing the strategy" regarding the possibility of sending American forces.
He also mentioned the new Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei, saying: "I don’t want him to be killed and I don’t know if he is still alive."
Trump mentioned that envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, participated in these talks, as part of the ongoing efforts to reach an agreement, confirming that there are "key points of agreement" between the two parties.
He said he "spoke with Israel a short while ago," adding that "Israel would be very happy with what we have achieved."
* Postponement of military attacks
Trump had announced on Monday that he had ordered the postponement of any military attacks targeting Iranian power stations for five days, just hours before the deadline that threatened additional escalation in the conflict now in its fourth week.
In a post on the Truth Social platform, he wrote that the United States and Iran had "very good and constructive" talks over the past two days about "a final and comprehensive solution to the hostilities in the Middle East."
Trump added that these talks, described as "in-depth, detailed, and constructive," will continue throughout this week, noting that he issued his directives to the Department of War to postpone all military strikes against Iranian energy facilities and infrastructure for five days, subject to the results of ongoing meetings and discussions.
Trump told the Fox Business network on Monday that Iran is very keen to reach an agreement which could happen within five days or less.
He said the latest talks between U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and their counterparts in Iran took place on Sunday evening.
Trump assured the AFP agency that things are "going very well" regarding Iran.
* Iranian denial: No ongoing talks
In contrast, the Iranian Foreign Ministry denied any talks with the United States, asserting that what is happening does not go beyond attempts by some regional countries to reduce tensions.
Tehran stated that Trump's statements come in the context of attempting to reduce energy prices and buying time to implement his military plans, amid escalating tensions related to the Strait of Hormuz, which now constitutes a major focus in the crisis course.
In this context, an American source told Axios website that Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan conveyed messages between the United States and Iran over the past two days, as part of mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions.
The source added that senior officials from the three countries held separate talks with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, noting that "mediation continues and is making progress," and that the discussions focused on ending the war and resolving outstanding issues, with expectations of achieving results soon.
The price of Brent crude dropped by about 7% to near $104 by 11:27 Greenwich Mean Time.
After Trump's statements, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that Minister Sergey Lavrov received a phone call from his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi. It mentioned that Lavrov called for an "immediate cessation of hostilities and a political settlement that takes into account the legitimate interests of all concerned parties, primarily Iran."
Trump had threatened on Saturday to "wipe out" Iranian power stations if Tehran did not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Trump had set a final deadline for today, Monday by 07:45 PM Eastern Time (23:45 GMT).
In response, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard issued a statement today, Monday, saying that it would attack Israeli power stations and those supplying American bases across the Gulf region if Trump carried out his threat to "wipe out" the Iranian power grid.
More than two thousand people have died during the war with the United States and Israel on February 28. The conflict has rocked the markets, caused fuel prices to rise, fueled inflation fears worldwide, and shaken traditional Western alliances.
The threat to strike power grids in the Gulf has raised fears of widespread disruption in drinking water desalination and has added to oil market disruptions.
